SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Summerside Police Services recently arrested a 17-year-old youth after receiving a report of someone spray-painting signs and a bridge on the western portion of the boardwalk near MacKenzie Drive.
A news release issued notes witnesses in the area saw the person spray-painting and called police.
The youth was later released to his parent’s custody and will be appearing in court at a later date to answer to mischief-related charges.
Bruce MacDougall, a Summerside city councillor, came across the damage while out for an early morning walk. MacDougall noted if the paint cannot be removed, it will cost taxpayers between $3,000 and $4,000 to replace the signs.
“It’s very disappointing because that boardwalk is a jewel in the city,” he said. “Whether you are a city resident or you come from Tyne Valley or Kinkora to walk, everybody likes it.”
MacDougall added city staff works hard replacing boards, picking up garbage and maintaining the well-used boardwalk.
“For somebody else to feel they have the right to damage public property is wrong,” he said.
This is not the first time city police have investigated graffiti.
“It kind of comes and goes and it seems to go in spurts,” said Sgt. Jason Blacquiere. “We will get a rash of it and then things will seem to go quiet for a bit and then it starts up again.”
